AFTER AN HOUR of being cooped up in the overly warm carriage, Rayne shifted in her seat for the umpteenth time and groaned. “How do people travel like this on a regular basis?”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know what travel’s like in the future, but I spent a fortune on this carriage and its well-sprung axles.”
Rayne sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to insult your precious carriage.”
Sam chuckled. “Why don’t we stop for a little while?”
“Yes, please. My butt is numb. I need to move around.”
Sam rapped on the carriage roof and Elijah brought the horses to a halt. Sam opened the carriage door, jumped out, and then lifted Rayne down. He kept an arm around her waist as he set her feet on the ground.
“Where are Quincy and Victoria?” Rayne asked as she wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed.
“Probably a few miles ahead of us. It’s faster on horseback,” Sam said.
“Are we close?”
He nodded. “Yes, only three more miles to go.”
“Do you want to walk a little bit?”
Sam gave her a crooked grin. “Are you up to it?”
Rayne laid her palm over her chest. “Me?”
Sam glanced behind her and grinned. “I’d hate to think my antiquated carriage has bruised your bottom.”
Rayne pursed her lips. “Hm, I’ll let you investigate that later. However, now…” She took off at a dead run and got a few hundred feet ahead of him, but squealed as she felt him closing in on her. He grabbed her from behind and lifted her off her feet.
“No way,” she exclaimed with a laugh. “How did you do that?”
Sam chuckled and kissed her. “It wasn’t easy, considering I had visions of your delectable bottom racing through my mind.”
She looped her arms around his neck. “Put me down, baby, you can’t carry me all the way to the Butlers’.”
“Why not?”
“Funny,” she said.
He set her feet gently on the ground and took her hand. Rayne was surprised to hear the carriage behind them. She glanced over her shoulder. “Is he going to follow us the entire way?”
“If need be,” Sam answered.
Rayne turned and waved to Elijah, who enthusiastically waved back. “Are we safe walking?”
Sam smiled. “Safe enough.”
“What does that mean?” Rayne narrowed her eyes. “I thought Maryland was a Confederate state.”
Sam shook his head. “No. It’s a border state, but we just abolished slavery, so I’d say that’s against the Confederates.”
“We, meaning?”
“Maryland.”
“Really?” Rayne raised an eyebrow. “When?”
Sam squeezed her hand. “It was signed into law on October 13.”
“You mean this October? Of this year?”
Sam smiled. “Yes.”
Rayne grinned. “I’m so glad!”
Sam chuckled. “I thought you might be.”
“Tell me about Maryland. I failed history… miserably.” Rayne bit her lip. “The only thing I remember is that Dr. Mudd’s home is here somewhere.”
“Dr. Mudd?”
Rayne nodded. “The guy who fixed Booth’s leg after he shot Lincoln.”
Sam stopped short and pulled Rayne to face him. “Excuse me?”
Rayne bit her lip. “Um… right… it hasn’t happened yet.”
Sam squeezed her arms. “What the devil are you talking about?”
Rayne grimaced. “Oh, I’m messing this up. I don’t remember dates… um… there are some bad men, one of them is an actor, John something Booth, and he kills Lincoln. I think in 1865.”
“That’s next year!” Sam scowled. “What happens? Tell me everything.”
Rayne rubbed her forehead. “I don’t remember. That’s the problem. Seriously, I passed most of my classes, but history just went over my head… I didn’t even pretend to try in that class.”
Sam swore. “Who would know?”
Rayne shrugged. “Victoria might know more. I’m sorry, Sam.”
Sam turned and held his hand up to Elijah, who pulled the carriage to a stop. “We’re going to ride the rest of the way. Please hurry.”
Elijah nodded and waited for Sam to lift Rayne in. Once Sam had jumped in beside her and closed the door, she heard Elijah whistle and the carriage jolted forward. They arrived at the Butler Farm to find Victoria standing on the porch, hands on her hips. “Where have you been?”
“We walked part of the way.” Rayne grinned.
“Come and meet Wilhelmina.” Victoria took Rayne’s hand. “We have refreshments set out in the parlor.”
“I’ll show Elijah where to put the horses and meet you in there,” Sam called.
“Okay. Thanks.” Rayne squeezed Victoria’s hand. “I think I did something I shouldn’t have.”
“What?”
“I mentioned Mudd and him fixing Booth’s leg after he shot Lincoln,” Rayne whispered.
Victoria frowned. “Uh-oh. What did Sam say?”
Rayne sighed. “He swore… actually, it was quite inventive… a word I’d never heard before.”
“Rayne.”
“Sorry. The problem is that I don’t remember anything from class, but I offered your expertise.”
Victoria raised an eyebrow. “Oh, thank you very much. He should really talk to Sophie, but I’ll fill him in on what I can.”
Rayne’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank you.”
Victoria pulled Rayne into the parlor and a woman who looked like an older version of Gwen stood and pulled her in for a motherly hug. “You must be Mrs. Powell. Welcome to our home, dear. I do hope you will make yourself at home.”
Rayne smiled. “Thank you. Please call me Rayne. It’s really nice to meet you.”
Mrs. Butler led her to the sofa and sat next to her. “Victoria mentioned you’re going to host a masquerade.”
“If we can pull it off in time, that’s definitely the plan,” Rayne said.
Mrs. Butler patted her hand. “It will be the talk of the town, dear. Never fear.”
Victoria giggled. “See?”
The women began to plan and kept at it until they were forced to stop for dinner. The men had snuck away when the discussion turned to linen, but returned to escort them now. Rayne was surprised to look up and find that time had slid past her without her noticing.
Sam took her hand and led her to the dining room. Rayne took a minute to pull him aside. “Are you okay? I’m surprised you’ve been so patient about… you know.”
Sam sighed. “Quincy answered a few questions, but he said the person to speak to is Sophie.”
“That’s what Victoria said as well. I’m sorry for dropping that bombshell on you.”
Sam kissed her cheek. “You don’t need to apologize, Angel.”
Rayne pulled his head down for a quick kiss. “Mmm, I thought I detected something yummy on your breath.”
Sam raised an eyebrow. “Did you, now?”
“Did you think I’d kiss you for no reason?” Rayne grinned.
“Minx.” Sam chuckled. “Vincent has an expensive bottle of scotch that we were able to dip into while you were otherwise occupied.”
“I love scotch!”
“You do?” he asked.
Rayne wrinkled her nose. “Why are you surprised?”
“Ladies generally don’t drink spirits.”
“Well, this lady loves a good glass of scotch, so you better find some for me at some point, even if you have to sneak it.”
“I will, Angel.” Sam laughed. “Later.”
She smiled up at him and gave him another quick kiss before they made their way into the dining room to join the rest of the family for dinner.
* * *
Sam took Rayne to bed a little past midnight, despite the fact she was wired from their fun-filled evening. He opened the door to one of the many guest rooms and guided her inside.
“This is beautiful,” she said as she entered the room. “It looks like a bed and breakfast.”
“What’s a bed and breakfast?” he asked as he closed the door.
“It’s generally a historic home that has been converted into a hotel and they serve you breakfast,” she said. “Well, sort of.”
He chuckled. “I suppose that was obvious.”
She saw a tray set out on a small table and a decanter filled with light amber liquid on it. “Is that scotch?” she whispered.
“Yes, it is,” he whispered back.
“Why is there only one glass?”
“The staff assumed it was for me, sweetheart.”
“Right.” She let out a quiet snort. “Ladies don’t drink scotch.”
Sam picked up the glass and grinned. “We’ll share.”
“Oh, we will, will we?”
Sam poured a glass and started to hand it to her, but as she reached for it, he pulled it back and took a sip. “Yes, we will.”
Rayne held her palm out. “Give it.”
He laughed and handed her the glass.
She took a sip and let out an audible sigh of pleasure. “This is so good!”
“I agree with you.” He took the glass from her again.
She grinned. “Sneak.”
He handed it back to her and she sipped again. “You must find out where Mr. Butler got this and buy some.”
Sam gave her a mock salute. “Yes ma’am.”
He leaned down to kiss her and Rayne hummed in appreciation. “You taste amazing.”
Sam grinned. “I was about to say the same thing.”
She set the glass on the nightstand. “I think we should end every day like this.”
“That can be arranged.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. “Did you enjoy yourself today, Angel?”
“I did. Quincy’s parents are amazing.” She looped her arms around his neck. “Victoria and Hannah are really lucky.”
Sam pulled her into his embrace. “My mother will come around.”
She grimaced. “How did you know that’s what I was thinking?”
“You forget that I know you, Angel.”
“Yes. I guess I do.” Rayne frowned. “What if she hates me forever?”
Sam shrugged. “What if she does?”
“So, you admit she hates me.” Sam groaned. “What?” Rayne settled her hands on his shoulders. “What if she never comes around and refuses to accept me?”
Sam shrugged. “If for some reason, she chooses to be estranged from you, then, she chooses to be estranged from me.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Rayne said in frustration. “What if you have to choose?”
“There would never be a choice, Angel.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
“You are my wife.”
“Which is what your mother hates the most about me,” she grumbled.
He cupped her face. “You mean more to me than anything and I’ll never choose anyone over you.”
She wound her arms around his neck again and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” he said with a smile. “Now. Did you get your plans made?”
“We did. Wilhelmina is a firecracker.” Rayne picked up the glass of scotch and sipped.
Sam laughed as he began to remove his clothing. “Yes, she is. Did you invite the entire area?”
“Just about,” she admitted. “We have close to a hundred on the list and intend on getting the invitations out tomorrow.” She took another sip and watched him pull his shirt from the waistband of his breeches. “Sophie wired that she would assist with the invitations in Harrisburg.”
“I’ll arrange some extra assistance for Tandy and the household staff,” Sam said as he unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it over his head.
Rayne took another sip of her drink and sighed.
Sam paused his undressing and frowned. “Is something amiss?”
“Not at all.” She licked her lips. “I was just thinking how this show will never get old.”
“Show?” he asked.
“Yes. You, stripping.” Rayne bit her lip. “Mmm… you without a shirt and me with a good glass of scotch. I don’t think my life could get any more perfect.”
Sam chuckled and moved to her side. He took the drink from her hand, set it on the nightstand, and unbuttoned her blouse as he leaned down to kiss her. “I think I can make it better.” He reached behind her to loosen the laces of her corset, slipped the first three hooks, and kissed her neck.
Rayne dropped her head back. “Better, you say?”
Sam nodded. “Most definitely.”
* * *
Sam took Rayne home the next morning and the week flew by as the preparations for their wedding reception progressed at breakneck speed. Pulling Rayne into his office on Thursday for a moment of quiet before the storm, Sam led her to his desk chair and pulled her onto his lap. “Are you ready for the masses?”
“Yes and no.”
Sam chuckled. “Why the no?”
“I really miss Shaye,” Rayne admitted. “She’s the one who’s good at this. Not me. She usually tells me where to go and I show up. She can talk to anyone about anything and makes everyone feel welcome.”
Drawing her hand to his lips, he kissed her fingers gently and smiled. “Everything has gone smoothly so far, Angel. You’ll do fine.”
“Just don’t desert me.”
Sam chuckled. “Where would I go?”
“Good answer,” she said.
Jamie and Sophie arrived a few hours later, along with Junior and a young nanny they had recently hired. Just as Hannah had predicted, Sophie nearly passed out at the sight of the Powell farm. “This place is amazing,” she exclaimed as she turned in several circles. “Did you say it was built in the sixteen hundreds?”
“Yes. It has been in the family since it was built. We’ll take you on a tour later.” Rayne smiled. “For now, would you like to get settled?”
Sophie nodded. “Yes, please.”
“Come on, I’ll show you to your room.” Rayne led her and the nanny upstairs.
Sophie got Junior settled while Rayne greeted the guests that arrived over the next few hours. Sophie joined her once Junior was asleep and Rayne was relieved that Sophie fell into the role of co-hostess without being asked.
Christopher, Hannah, Quincy, and Victoria arrived, with Jacob in tow, and Rayne could see the excitement on Sophie’s face when she saw Hannah and her ever-growing belly.
“You’re huge.” Sophie gave her a warm hug.
“I know! I’m almost as big as you were.”
Sophie laughed. “No one could ever be as big as I was.”
“Probably not,” Hannah said with a giggle. “Is Emma here yet?”
“Not yet,” Rayne answered. “But I expect them anytime.”
“The rain’s coming down pretty heavily, it might slow them down a bit.” Sophie took Hannah’s hand and led her to the sofa. “Sit down, mama.”
Hannah wrinkled her nose. “I’ve been sitting all day.”
Victoria sat next to her and smiled. “Where’s Chris?”
Hannah let out a quiet snort as she kicked off her shoes. “Oh, you mean, because he’s not hovering like the overprotective husband that he is?”
Rayne chuckled. “I doubt that’s exactly what Victoria was thinking.”
Before Hannah could answer, Christopher came back into the room, a cup of tea in his hands. He set the cup on the small table next to Hannah and handed her a napkin. “I’m glad to see you’re sitting down.”
“She is now,” Victoria said.
“Victoria!” Hannah glared at her friend and then turned to her husband. “I’m fine, Knight. I only stood long enough to hug Sophie.”
“No more standing,” he ordered and sat down next to her.
Hannah narrowed her eyes at Victoria. “I’ll kill you later.”
Victoria wrinkled her nose. “I look forward to you trying.”
Rayne shook her head and stifled a chuckle.
“Rayne?”
She looked up to see Sam motioning for her.
“Duty calls,” she said. “Excuse me.”
She left the girls to join her husband and found him standing in the foyer with Amelia.
“Hi!” Rayne said excitedly and pulled her into her embrace. “I’m so glad you came.”
Amelia grinned. “You couldn’t keep me away.”
“Are your parents here?” Rayne asked.
“No,” Amelia said slowly.
“How did you get here?” Sam asked.
Amelia bit her lip. “On the train.”
Sam glared at his sister. “Alone?”
“Sam, stop it. She’s here and she’s safe,” Rayne interrupted.
“That is not the point, Rayne,” he snapped and then turned back to his sister. “You look as though you have enough luggage for a year and you brought all of this alone?”
“Well, I am staying for a few months.”
“Amelia Rose, who did you travel with?”
Amelia grimaced. “John.”
Sam grasped her arm and pulled her farther away from their guests. “You traveled alone with a Ne—?”
“Sam!” Rayne hissed.
He raised a hand and shook his head. “Not now, Rayne.”
Amelia glanced at Rayne with a pleading look. “Don’t be cross, Sam. Daddy still can’t travel freely, and Mama wouldn’t have let me come. I knew I couldn’t travel alone, so I asked John to come with me. He rode in the car with the other Negroes—”
“Seriously, people, you need to stop using that word!” Rayne interrupted.
Amelia frowned. “What word?”
Sam shook his head. “Never mind. When you arrived in Baltimore, who helped you off the train?”
“John did.” Amelia pulled an envelope from her reticule and handed it to Sam. “Daddy also knew about everything, and he gave me this for you.”
“Amelia!” Sam snapped as he grabbed for the envelope. “You cannot honestly think I would believe our father sanctioned this trip.”
“Sam, shush,” Rayne admonished. “You’ll bring our guests running.”
“Am I not welcome?” Amelia asked.
“Of course you are! You can stay as long as you like,” Rayne assured and then gave Sam a warning glance.
“This has nothing to do with you being welcome, Meely,” Sam clarified.
She laid her hand across her chest. “Well, that’s a relief.”
Sam narrowed his eyes and then focused on the letter their father had sent.
“Are you tired, Amelia?” Rayne asked.
Amelia shook her head. “No, not at all.”
“Good.” Rayne smiled. “Was the trip good?”
“Yes, very. I forgot how personable the residents are in this area. I met one of your neighbors on the road, and he was very nice.”
Sam glanced up distractedly. “Oh, who?”
“A Mr. Atwood. James, I think.”
“You will stay away from him.” Sam laid a hand on her shoulder. “He is not a neighbor of mine, he lives near the Butlers, and he’s dangerous.”
“Truly? He seemed very kind,” Amelia said. “He said he was a close friend of Miss Butler, Gwendolyn is it?”
“Simmonds, now,” Rayne provided.
Sam’s eyes narrowed. “Not in her opinion, he’s not!”
“You certainly seem to know a lot about Gwendolyn Simmonds’ likes and dislikes,” Rayne grumbled.
“We’ll discuss that later, Rayne.”
“Oh. I see,” she snapped.
“Does Mother even know you’re here?” Sam asked Amelia, interrupting his wife.
“Mama is being quite unreasonable.”
“Meely,” he growled.
“We’ll discuss it later, Sammy. When we’re alone,” Amelia whispered.
Sam sighed. “Where’s John now?”
“I sent him to the servant’s entrance. Tandy’s helping him get settled.”
Sam dragged his hands down his face. “I’ll send Mother a note, but this conversation is not over.”
“Yes, Sam.”
Before Sam could say anything further, Amelia grabbed Rayne’s hand to pull her back into the parlor. Rayne tugged gently to get her attention. “Are you going to be in trouble?”
Amelia shrugged. “I’m viewing this as an adventure. Now introduce me to everyone, please.” She stopped suddenly.
“What’s wrong?” Rayne asked.
“Who’s that?” Amelia nodded toward the fireplace.
Rayne looked across the room and smiled when she saw Jacob Butler deep in conversation with Quincy. Rayne giggled. “That would be Jacob Butler. Shall I introduce you?”
Amelia sighed. “No, it would not be appropriate.”
“Why not?”
“Perhaps another time.”
Rayne sighed. “Okay.”
Amelia bit her lip. “Would you consider me rude if I were to lie down for a few hours?”
“Not at all. I’ll show you to your room.”